EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This study is theoretical in approach. Its purpose was to examine early childhood education in Nigeria with focus on challenges and prospects. In the study, education is a lifelong process which begins from birth till death. The early years are remarkable periods of growth and development in the lives of children. In the study, Early Childhood Education (ECE - also Nursery Education) is noted as a branch of education theory which relates to the teaching of young children (formally and informally) up until the age of about eight. ECE is noted as the foundations for children’s social skills, self-esteem, perception of the world and moral outlook, as well as the development of cognitive skills. The objectives ECE as noted in the study include:  Effect a smooth transition from home to school; Prepare the child for the primary level of education; Provide adequate care and supervision for the children while their parents are at work; Inculcate social norms; Inculcate in the child the spirit of inquiry and creativity through the exploration of nature, the environment, art, music and playing with toys and so on; Develop a sense of cooperation and team spirit; Learn good habits, especially good health habits and Teach the rudiments of numbers, letters, colours, shapes, forms and so on through play. The benefits of ECE were also discussed. Challenges to ECE and the way forward were also stated.